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NEW YOUTH SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AT RAF LOSSIEMOUTH

A new youth worker project was launched at RAF Lossiemouth on 15th October as part of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s £4 million nationwide youth partnership with national charity 4Children. The project, which is the first of its kind for young people in the Service community, offers structured activities for young people on the station, supported by three trained youth workers. On the day young people at the station showed off the kind of activities they will enjoy by hosting a “Mini Commonwealth Games” event on the station.

The partnership has been created in consultation with the RAF after a survey found that keeping young people safely occupied on stations was families’ second-biggest concern after housing.  Activities have been tailored to each station community and youngsters will be able to take part in sports and arts sessions after school, supported by the 4Children youth workers.

The partnership is part of Airplay: the RAF Benevolent Fund’s wider youth support programme for children of RAF families. The charity has committed to invest £10 million over 5 years to provide recreational services and facilities for young people at 28 RAF bases across the UK.
Debra Parker-Banfield, mum of Rhys and Dylan and married to a Corporal serving at RAF Lossiemouth, said:

"Airplay is a much-needed resource for children within the RAF. My children thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the launch today, there were lots of great activities available and we look forward to many more". 
Group Captain Bob Kemp, Regional Director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:

“The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to be running this new partnership with 4Children at a time when serving personnel and their families are faced with increasing pressures.  As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, part of our role is to enhance the morale and well-being of RAF serving personnel.  This youth worker programme will help reduce the stress on serving families, particularly those on operational deployments who worry about the welfare of their children whilst they are away.  RAF families are very often based in isolated and rural locations where there are limited opportunities to take part in organised activities so we are confident that a safe, stimulating programme of activities for young people on stations will make a significant difference to the lives of serving families across the UK.”

Charles Ellis, Deputy Chief Executive of 4Children said :

“It is a huge honour and privilege to work with the RAF Benevolent Fund to support the RAF family. Families of RAF personnel face particular challenges which make it more important than ever that young people have positive support to realise their potential. 4Children is proud to play this crucial role in ensuring that young people within RAF families receive the first class services and support that their family’s dedication and sacrifice rightly deserves.”